Cilfynydd Aikido

Cilfynydd Aikido Club, located in Pontypridd, is a well-established martial arts club that offers training in the art of Aikido. Founded by Shihan Peter Thomas on May 20th, 1999, the club has been serving the community of Cilfynydd for over 20 years.

The training atmosphere at Cilfynydd Aikido Club is friendly and informal, but with a strong emphasis on intensity and the development of sound basic techniques. The club incorporates mindfulness and relaxation techniques into their training, aiming to develop flow, style, and power in higher grades. The senior grades at the club take pride in working with the lower grades and helping them establish a solid foundation in Aikido.

The club promotes a co-operative atmosphere, where free-style practise is used to sharpen practical skills and cultivate a fun and positive environment. Respect for individuals of all talent levels is highly valued at Cilfynydd Aikido Club, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. The club encourages its members to attend Society courses collectively, enhancing knowledge and skills.

Aikido, the martial art practised at Cilfynydd Aikido Club, is a modern self-defence system developed by O Sensei Morihei UESHIBA. It incorporates joint-lock and throwing techniques, with the intention of minimising harm to the attacker. The techniques of Aikido have evolved from Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu, and the art officially adopted its modern name in 1942. Aikido gained popularity and became a major martial art after World War II.

It has since spread worldwide, with significant contributions to its development made by masters such as Koichi Tohei.

Aikido in the UK began in 1955 and has seen the emergence of influential figures such as Kenshiro Abbe, Tadashi Abe, and Senta Yamada. The major British Shihans, including Ken Williams and Haydn Foster, originated during this period. Kazuo Chiba played a significant role in establishing consistent teaching standards during the late 1960s and early 1970s as the official representative of the Aikikai Hombu. Today, Aikido has fragmented into various organisations.

Cilfynydd Aikido Club is a member of the Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society, which is based in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire. The society, led by President and Chief Instructor Soke Gwynne Jones (9th Dan), is one of the largest British-led Aikido societies in the UK and a member of the British Aikido Board. Soke Jones brings extensive experience and has developed a style that combines traditional Aikido with modern ki training concepts. The society takes pride in its non-political and inclusive approach to Aikido.

For those interested in joining Cilfynydd Aikido Club, they can attend classes held every Monday and Thursday from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. The minimum age requirement is 12 years, with individuals under 16 requiring adult accompaniment and individuals aged 16-18 attending at their parent's discretion. For further inquiries or to get in touch with the club, you can contact them via telephone at 07913 906 976 or email at cilfynyddaikido@gmail. Com.